Where do you look to determine the operating CG range when calculating a new aircraft weight and balance document?

• A. Aircraft Flight Manual
• B. Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)
• C. Airworthiness Certificate
• D. Pilot's Operating Handbook

Answer: (B)

The operating center of gravity range is defined by the certification basis and is shown in the Type Certificate Data Sheet. This document sets the official forward and aft CG limits (often given in inches from a reference datum or as a percent of MAC) and notes any configuration-specific restrictions. When you’re calculating a new weight and balance document, you compute the airplane’s CG from the weights and moments, then verify that the result falls within these certified limits for the current configuration. If the CG is outside, you must adjust payload, fuel, or configuration to bring it back inside the approved envelope.

The Aircraft Flight Manual (or Pilot’s Operating Handbook) provides loading guidance and may show example CG ranges for typical configurations, and the Airworthiness Certificate confirms certification status, but they do not establish the official operating CG limits.